- The council strongly recommends that troops and service units meet virtually; most are already choosing the virtual approach. For GSCV troops and service units that choose to meet in person, gatherings of 10 or fewer people are preferred and 25 is the recommended maximum number of people allowed at in-person gatherings. These guidelines take effect Dec. 14 and remain in place until further notice.
- Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia is offering in-person gatherings and allowing troops and service units to meet in person if they choose to do so during Phase 3 of the re-opening process.
- Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia will resume full, in-person activities only after Virginia has successfully moved out of Phase 3.
- Virtual meetings are always possible, and the council offers resources and advice to help leaders with virtual meetings. Register for training sessions via COMAR. Also, the Troop Leader Blueprint offers step-by-step guidance.
- If updates from sources such as the governor’s office, Centers for Disease Control or National Institutes of Health lead to changes in our evaluation of the situation, then GSCV will communicate via our website, help desk, S’more News digital newsletter or social media.
COVID-19 updates
In-person guidelines (Dec. 13, 2020, update)
There is nothing Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia takes more seriously than the safety and well-being of our girls, volunteers and staff members. Here are updates about steps we are taking to help fight the spread of COVID-19 and comply with Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive orders:
Gov. Northam on Dec. 10 announced new measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, which is on the rise in Virginia. Girl Scouts promise to help other people at all times, so Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia is adjusting our guidelines for meetings and encouraging Girl Scout volunteers and families to use their best judgment. This guidance covers meetings and activities of troops and service units: At this time, the council strongly recommends that troops and service units meet virtually; most are already choosing the virtual approach. For GSCV troops and service units that choose to meet in person, gatherings of 10 or fewer people are preferred and 25 is the recommended maximum number of people allowed at in-person gatherings. These guidelines take effect Dec. 14 and remain in place until further notice.
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General overview
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In-person protocols
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Troop travel
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Council office and shop
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Helpful documents
If your troop decides to meet in person (overview)
- The council strongly recommends that troops and service units meet virtually; most are already choosing the virtual approach. For GSCV troops and service units that choose to meet in person, gatherings of 10 or fewer people are preferred and 25 is the recommended maximum number of people allowed at in-person gatherings. These guidelines take effect Dec. 14 and remain in place until further notice.
- Troops and service units within Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia may meet in person during Phase 3 if they choose to do so.
- Virtual meetings are always possible, and the council offers resources and advice to help leaders with virtual meetings. Register for training sessions via COMAR.
- Attending in-person meetings or events is an individual decision that families must make for their girls.
- If in-person meetings take place, troops and service units should follow Virginia’s social distancing guidelines for Phase 3. These include at least six feet of space between people. Additionally, everyone should wear face masks, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
- Carpooling is not permitted at this time. Parents must drop off and pick up their own girls from in-person meetings or activities because maintaining six feet of space between people inside a car is not possible.
- If your troop decides to meet in person, then meeting outdoors is preferred over meeting indoors.
- It is vital that troops have cleaning supplies available to clean areas before and after any in-person meetings.
- Troops that hold in-person meetings are advised not to provide food or drinks. If the event is a family gathering, then each family should provide their own food and drinks. Do not share with others outside of your family.
- Troops can make reservations for meetings at Pamunkey Ridge Girl Scout Camp by emailing [email protected]. A limited number of days and times are available for groups no larger than 25 people (including girls, volunteers and family members); groups of 10 or fewer are preferred. Additional information about Pamunkey Ridge is available below.
Here are additional guidelines for troops that decide to hold in-person meetings:
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Pamunkey Ridge
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Families
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Meeting space
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Face masks
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Transportation
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Food and drinks
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Contact at in-person meetings
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First aid supplies
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Disinfecting
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Reporting and communicating a positive COVID-19 test
Message from CEO Molly T. Fuller: We are here for you
Like many of you, I’m working remotely and find the change energizing and intense and perhaps the first opportunity in a while to slow down and reflect. I will quickly acknowledge that I do not have the additional consideration of children at home, so reflection may happen with more ease! I feel a great sense of pride when I think about the 108-year history of Girl Scouts, what was happening in the world and how Girl Scouts responded. We have risen to the occasion more than once — because we're Girl Scouts.
In this period of uncertainty and new challenges, please know that each of you has my personal respect and appreciation as well as that of our entire staff. You are incredible community leaders and deserve all of the acclaim possible for keeping focused on the needs and interests of girls, your family and so many other things. With the current varied demands, we recognize Girl Scouts may not be the top priority for some and yet for others it may be a source of comfort and familiarity in ever-changing times. In whatever space Girl Scout families find themselves, we are here to support you.
We want your Girl Scout experience to be a source of fun, energy and meaningful interactions — even when we can't get together in person. Our council is finding our way in real time through the logistics of how to best support you, your girls and, hopefully, your family through programming events and activities and everything else that Girl Scouts offers our members. Our goal is to be responsive and find the best approach for the common good.
We are here for you. Please take care of yourself (easier said than
done), have moments of lightness and perhaps a joyful Girl Scout
moment. When we’re able to get together again, we look forward to
celebrating Girl Scout sisterhood in person.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Molly
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Refunds
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Highest Awards